forecastle

noun

fore·​cas·​tle ˈfōk-səl How to pronounce forecastle (audio)
ˈfȯr-ˌka-səl
1
: the forward part of the upper deck of a ship
2
: the crew's quarters usually in a ship's bow

Examples of forecastle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
She was hit by several bombs, one of which penetrated her forecastle and detonated her forward ammunition magazines, the Naval History and Heritage Command said. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 5 Dec. 2024 Meanwhile, the decks in the forecastle (front to landlubbers) went from vertical to horizontal as the oddity became a floating laboratory. David Szondy, New Atlas, 12 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of forecastle was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forecastle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forecastle. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

forecastle

noun
fore·​cas·​tle ˈfōk-səl How to pronounce forecastle (audio)
ˈfōr-ˌkas-əl,
ˈfȯr-
variants or fo'c'sle
ˈfōk-səl
1
: the forward part of the upper deck of a ship
2
: the living area for the crew in the front part of a ship

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